Betty Bethards, 68; Dream Interpreter, Meditation Teacher

Betty Bethards, 68, called the “common sense guru” for her teaching of dream interpretation and meditation methods, died July 30 in Petaluma, Calif., of a stroke.

Bethards embarked on her unusual career after having a near-death experience when she was the 32-year-old mother of four.

Afterward, she wrote a book, “There Is No Death,” to comfort the ill and bereaved. She also founded the Inner Light Foundation, promoting development of individual spirituality.

Rather than promoting herself as a leader, she tried to teach others to develop their own spiritual potential. Among her nine books were “Be Your Own Guru,” “Techniques for Health and Wholeness” and “Seven Steps to Developing Your Intuitive Powers.”

In 1983, Bethards published one of her most popular books, “The Dream Book,” giving meanings for more than 1,600 dream symbols and instructing readers in remembering and using their dreams for inspiration.

She also produced two series for PBS: “Turn On Without Drugs” and “Middle-Class Meditation.”